(Atlantic) The largest fundraiser for the Atlantic Food Pantry kicks off this week.
On Friday, November 1, 2024, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Scrooge Contest fundraiser will begin. This event was started by the late Eleanor Hoover, and her daughters—Billie, Jackie, and Lori, along with Karen Miller—initially contributed $1,000 to the cause. Each of the four candidates receives $250.00. This year’s candidates are Randy and Michelle Roy (Randy’s Computer), Graydon Schmidt (Schmidt Family Funeral Homes), Jeremiah Thompson (Landus/Atlantic Fire Department), and Ben Winford (New Life Church). The contestant with the most points will be named Scrooge, and all proceeds will benefit the Atlantic Food Pantry. The winner of the Scrooge Contest will also serve as the Grand Marshal in the Lighted Parade held in early December.
Brad Osborne, operations manager and member of the Atlantic Food Pantry Board of Directors says between January 2015 and December 2019, the Food Pantry has maintained steady utilization.
In 2015, Osborne began volunteering at the Food Pantry, serving roughly 16 households and 30-35 individuals weekly. From there, the Pantry serves 73 families and 225 individuals weekly. This year, the Food Pantry has served 90 families and 300 individuals several times.
Unfortunately, according to Osborne, there are no slow months during the season. So, there is a need for food and monetary donations every week and every month.
Regarding the contest, cash donations are worth five points on the dollar, and one non-perishable item earns the contestants one point. The Atlantic Food Pantry is asking for a specific list of food items, focusing on monetary donations to help purchase other needed items, including meat and refrigerated items.
According to records, the most significant food item total combined by all four candidates was $6,383 in 2019; the biggest food item total by a single candidate was $4,514 in 2016; the most significant group combined monetary total was $29,872 in 2023; and the largest single candidate monetary total was $18,796.75 in 2019.
Over the past eight years, the Scrooge Contest has generated $154,150 and 29,230 food items for the food pantry.
